Proposing a solution Abstract

English 1B Proposing a Solution Abstract Prompt

 

Like all abstracts, one written for a Proposing a Solution essay follows a similar logic and development,   although the order and content of some of the steps will be different.

 

 

1. Establish a context for the solution by defining the problem

– identify the existence of the problem serving as the essay’s main issue

– describe the importance (extent, impact) of the problem situation

– describe the need for a solution (what happens without one)

 

2. Describe your solution in terms of…

– how fully it will fix the problem (first step or cure-all?)

– how easily it can be implemented (materially, financially)

…in other words, the feasibility of your solution

 

3. Indicate the approaches of those scholars whose work you will be considering

– in this section of the abstract, you can list and briefly (very) describe…

– sources that support/object to your proposed approach and/or solution

– sources proposing alternative approaches or solutions you reject or add to your own

 

4. Present the questions guiding your research, the questions your work will attempt to answer

– these should reflect elements of your problem and solution such as…

                        – the specific aspect(s) of the problem the solution prioritizes

– how the nature of the problem impacts the efficacy of solutions

– how the costs (material and non-material) of the solution will be justified

                       

5. Indicate what your hypothesis (the point of your research) is by stating your thesis

– be extremely aware of the language you use here and the tone which results

– be wary of stating outcomes in absolute terms

– instead, use terms like “probable, plausible, should, most likely”

 

6. If you can, suggest what the implications of your work are

– this is simple to do for PS essays since your analysis could…

– dispel erroneous beliefs and assumptions about existing solutions

– identify elements/ideas previously unthought-of in relation to the problem

– simply solve the problem in an way acceptable to all involved

 

7. Include a list of keywords

– the terms should reflect the major topics/interests/areas of your essay

– the terms should be designed to lead other scholars to your work via specific aspects

 

 

 

Again, these steps are just one formalization of important, more general problem-solving processes;

– wondering about a problem

– gathering material/data to represent and frame the problem

– exploring and determining relationships b/tw the data and the effects you want to describe.

 

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